A SCHOOL'S new extension received a VIP visit from Darlington's Mayor before enjoying a sunny sports day.

Councillor Dot Long, a former teacher, and her husband and escort Robert, were guided around Polam Hall School, in Darlington, by girls from the school's year six.

The two-storey extension has provided the school's junior department with four extra classrooms, a staff room and cloakroom.

Coun Long rounded off her visit by presenting the prizes at the junior school's sports day, on Tuesday.

Angela Foster, junior head, said: "We were delighted to welcome the mayor to the school. We are justifiably proud of the new extension to eth junior school and the girls were very excited to show off its four new classrooms to the mayor.

"As a former teacher, the mayor was very interested in the girls and what they thought of the new building. She was very impressed with the building and keen to know how the school is expanding in the junior school sector."

Coun Long said she was delighted to have been invited to the event.